Ethris and Lonza Partner to Develop Room-Temperature mRNA Vaccines for Respiratory Diseases
Monday, April 07, 2025
Ethris has joined forces with Lonza to develop room-temperature stable, spray-dried mRNA-based vaccine formulations.
These vaccines are intended for mucosal delivery and could offer a new approach to preventing respiratory illnesses.
The collaboration targets one of the key challenges facing current mRNA vaccines – their reliance on ultra-low temperature storage and complex delivery systems. By developing formulations that remain stable at room temperature, the partnership aims to streamline the supply chain, lower production costs, and enable faster and more scalable vaccine deployment.
In addition, the needle-free, nasal delivery method being developed may trigger mucosal immunity, offering protection directly at the virus’s entry point.
Initially, the two companies will work on a nasal mRNA vaccine candidate for influenza. The goal is to produce a non-invasive vaccine that can offer localised immune responses similar to those seen with injectable vaccines.
This method could also play a role in reducing transmission rates by generating immunity in the upper respiratory tract.
Lonza will be responsible for the spray-drying and particle engineering processes. This will be carried out at its Bend site in the United States, which specialises in improving drug bioavailability and pharmacokinetics.
The work will involve Ethris’ proprietary SNIM® RNA (stabilised non-immunogenic mRNA) and SNaP LNP (stabilised lipid nanoparticles) platforms. These technologies are designed to maintain mRNA stability and activity, ensuring effective delivery to the respiratory tract.
The collaboration is also supported by a grant from the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and combines Lonza’s manufacturing capabilities with Ethris’ innovative RNA platform.
Together, they aim to address unmet medical needs in the area of respiratory disease prevention through non-invasive vaccine delivery.
Source: lonza.com
